By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Beitbridge based band, the Fugeez group will represent Matebeleland South province at the national finals after outsmarting six other competitors to claim top spot at the provincial finals held in the border town yesterday.
The competition which took place at Malaxo Beerahall was characterised by intense competition as the musical outfits showcased their vocal, guitar and dance skills to impress the judges.
For their efforts, the Fugeez walked away with a US$ 2500 prize money on top of earning the sole ticket to represent Mat South at the national finals.
Bolamba Culture Birds claimed second spot and received $1,500 for their impressive performance, whilst Siyabangena Gangsters earned $1,000 for their third-place finish.
The remaining bands received US$500 each as a token of appreciation for their participation.
Speaking during interviews with Ziyah News Network, the musical expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Delta Beverages and the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe for organising th event which allowed them to showcase their music.
Edgar Tumbare, the leader of the Fugeez band, shared his excitement saying, “We are so excited to have the opportunity to represent Matabeleland South in the national competition. This is a huge accomplishment for us as a band, and we are ready to show what we can do on a bigger stage.”
Mthabisi Dude, the director of Bolamba Culture Birds, spoke about how valuable their second-place win.
“Winning second prize means a lot to us, especially since it is our first time winning as a live band. We usually perform traditional dances, and this recognition will help us promote the cultural sector. The prize money will go a long way in supporting our cultural festival that we host in Gwanda every December,”he said.
Talent Mhlanga, the leader of Siyabangena Gangsters, also expressed her happiness about their third-place finish.
“We are thrilled to have come third place in the competition. We plan to use the funds to upgrade our equipment and buy new uniforms for our band, which will help us perform even better in the future, ” she said
The event not only celebrated the talent of the musicians but also brought joy to the local community. Beitbridge residents expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to witness such an event.
Kingston Hwachi noted, “The competition allowed local talents to showcase their work, which is good for the development of the community. It’s inspiring to see our musicians shine.”
However, not all feedback was positive. Kudakwashe Mlambo raised a point about inclusivity, suggesting that Delta Beverages consider non-drinkers when organizing future events.
“It would be great if they could bring in other products, like Maheu, to cater to everyone in the community,” he said.
Overall, the Chibuku Road to Fame competition proved to be a remarkable success, highlighting the rich musical talent in Matabeleland South and fostering a sense of community pride.